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Early detection saves Lives: Book your oral cancer screening today
Oral cancer is a serious disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year — and when detected early, survival rates exceed 80%. At Roam Dental in Shelby Township, we include a comprehensive oral cancer screening as part of every routine dental checkup. The exam is quick, painless, and can literally save your life. Combined with regular dental examinations, oral cancer screening is one of the most important preventative measures we offer.
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An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the mouth, throat, lips, tongue, cheeks, and surrounding tissues to detect early signs of cancerous or precancerous changes. Dr. Barbu looks for sores that do not heal, unusual red or white patches, lumps, thickening, and other tissue abnormalities that may warrant further evaluation.
The screening takes just 5–10 minutes and is completely painless. There are no injections, no instruments inserted beyond the mouth, and no preparation required. It is seamlessly integrated into your routine dental exam and adds no significant time to your appointment.
If anything suspicious is identified, Dr. Barbu will discuss next steps — which may include monitoring the area at a follow-up visit or referring you to an oral medicine specialist for further evaluation. Early-stage oral cancer caught during screening has an excellent prognosis compared to late-stage diagnosis.
Everyone should receive an oral cancer screening as part of their annual dental checkup — regardless of lifestyle. However, certain groups face a significantly elevated risk and should be especially diligent. Tobacco users — including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco — are among those at highest risk. Heavy alcohol consumption further compounds that risk, as tobacco and alcohol together have a synergistic effect on cancer development.
HPV (human papillomavirus) has become a major driver of oral and oropharyngeal cancers, particularly in younger adults without traditional risk factors. Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of lip cancer. Individuals over age 40 and those with a personal or family history of cancer should also prioritize annual screenings. Regular professional cleanings that include screening are one of the best investments in your long-term health.
Even patients with none of these risk factors can and do develop oral cancer. That is why we perform screenings for every patient at every checkup — because early detection is the most powerful tool we have against this disease.
Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth — on the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the cheeks, the gums, the lips, or the soft palate. Common early warning signs include sores or ulcers that do not heal within two weeks, red or white patches on the tongue or mucous membranes, unexplained bleeding, and a persistent feeling of something being stuck in the throat.
More advanced symptoms can include lumps or thickening in the cheek or neck, difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking, numbness or tingling in the mouth or lips, and chronic hoarseness or a persistent sore throat. Loose teeth without a dental cause or a change in the way dentures fit can also be warning signs. When caught early, oral cancer has an 80%+ survival rate — compared to only 35% when diagnosed at a late stage.
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe. If you notice any of these changes in your mouth between dental visits, call our office right away. And if you are overdue for a routine exam, schedule an appointment at Roam Dental in Shelby Township today.
Routine oral cancer screening is one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take to protect your health. Here is why it matters:
Oral cancer detected in its earliest stage has an 80%+ survival rate. Screening at every checkup gives you the best possible chance of catching it early.
The entire screening takes just five minutes, requires no needles or instruments, and causes no discomfort — making it one of the easiest tests you can have.
Oral cancer screening is a standard part of every comprehensive exam at Roam Dental — no extra appointment or additional cost required.
A clear screening result gives you confidence in your health. And if something is found, you will be glad you knew early — when treatment options are most effective.